Ellis Island is an immigration reception center, also known as the “Island of Broken Hearts”, which has an extraordinary place in American history.
The island has been the gateway to hope for nearly 12 million people and has hosted sad stories. Between January 1, 1892 and November 12, 1954, it served as a transit hub for millions of people who wanted to leave their country and emigrate to the United States.
Journeys to the island have begun with the migrant ships. Of course, as always, class segregation was made. Many of them were very sick and broke, and despite this, they continued to travel in unhealthy conditions.
Immigration procedures for families in good condition were proceeding more quickly. immigration was accepted without examining too many documents. But most of them didn’t have much money in their pockets or had no money at all. Some were sick, some wanted to be reunited with their families. That’s when things didn’t move so easily in the transit center. They’ve been through a lot of investigation. While many of their families were accepted, some were mothers, fathers and children who were not accepted because they were ill. There’s been a lot of goodbyes. It’s a pity to take a part of your family and know you’ll never see it again. That’s why the people named the island “Heart break Island”.
Today, Ellis Island has opened its doors to those who come as the Immigration Museum. To visit the island, which is visited by a lot of tourists, you can buy tickets for both the Statue of Liberty and a trip to Ellis Island. After the Statue of Liberty tour, you can take the ferry back to Ellis Island.
When you arrive, you’re immersed in that sadness, the stories. Summarizing the situation, the film is shown in a special hall for visitors. The ones that are not accepted, the ones who have to separate from each other, the sick. You can see photos and personal belongings of many immigrants there where you can feel hope, stress and sadness in their eyes.
Enjoy the trip!
